The New Therapies and Psychopathology: the Behavioral Viewpoint

ABSTRACT Behavior therapists view psychopathology differently from dynamically oriented therapists, in that behaviorists are taught to regard symptoms 9rimarily as sets of learned behaviors rather than cues to underlying psychological disorders. Even though there is a split among behaviorists as to which procedure is best to follow, there are some special strengths of the behavioral viewpoint: (1) because it is a new method, it generates enthusiasm, hope and faith from patients; (2) because it paints a consistent picture of the etiology of all psychopathology, behaviorism obviates the need for wrestling with conflicting dynamic or biological views of the case; (3) diagnosis is linked with treatment, and achievement of goals and depends on a problem solving diagnostic laboratory; and (4) because of this laboratory method, behaviorists are very receptive to research. Limitations of behaviorism include: (1) one procedure cannot cure all ailments; and (2) behavioral procedures have not been useful in treatment of schizophrenia or other functional psychoses.